DETROIT -- Alex Ovechkin tied Gordie Howe for the most goals scored for one NHL team, fittingly reaching the milestone in the same city Mr. Hockey became an all-time great.

The 37-year-old superstar scored in second period, giving him 786 goals with Washington, but Andrew Copp had a go-ahead goal with 3:50 left to help the Detroit Red Wings beat the Washington Capitals 3-1 on Thursday night.

"It's pretty cool," Ovechkin said. "It's a great accomplishment."

Howe played for the Red Wings from 1946 to 1971, and Ovechkin's milestone goal was scored on the same end of the rink that the Hall of Famer's retired No. 9 jersey hangs in the rafters.

"I wish it could've been in a winning effort," Washington coach Peter Laviolette said.

Howe retired with an NHL record 801 goals -- mostly scored with the Red Wings -- and Wayne Gretzky broke the mark, finishing with a league-record 894 goals. Howe died in 2016 at age of 88.

Detroit's Lucas Raymond pulled the Red Wings into a 1-all tie late in the second period on a power play. Copp scored his first goal in his 10th game with the Red Wings late in the third off Adam Erne's behind-the-net assist. Dylan Larkin added an empty-net goal in the final minute to seal the victory.

Detroit's Ville Husso made 33 saves. Darcy Kuemper stopped 23 shots for the Capitals.

The Capitals' next game is Saturday at home against the Arizona Coyotes.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.